If you are an audiophile with a great love for rich and vibrant surround sound, you’d realize that nothing comes close to achieving this as a pair or more of some of the best bookshelf speakers that money can buy. While some of these could cost a fortune, there are those that won’t leave a hole in your pocket to acquire. Taking into account also that most of the lower end stereo speakers often compromise quality or design for a cheaper price, we set out to review the best budget stereo speakers. After extensive research, examinations, and assessment, we bring to you the best bookshelf speakers under 500 dollars. Grab a seat, relax and let’s check this out.
Top 5 Best Bookshelf Speakers under 500 comparison
| Picture | Name | Dimensions | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ELAC B6 Debut Series 6.5" Bookshelf Speakers | 8.5 x 10 x 14 inches | Check it on Amazon |  (4.6 / 5) |
 | ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speaker | 10.8 x 7.9 x 12.8 inches | Check it on Amazon |  (4.5 / 5) |
 | Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers | 11 x 8 x 13.5 inches | Check it on Amazon | (4.6 / 5) |
 | DALI - ZENSOR 1 - Bookshelf Speakers in Light Walnut | 17.1 x 14.1 x 11.8 inches | Check it on Amazon | (4.5 / 5) |
 | Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers | 22 x 11 x 15 inches | Check it on Amazon |  (4.4 / 5) |
Review of Bookshelf Speakers under 500
1. ELAC B6 Debut Series 6.5″ Bookshelf Speakers
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
The Elac Debut B6 is the handwork of the renowned Andrew Jones and when you hear that name, you know what to expect. At a price below $500, the Elac Debut B6 debuts at number one on this review of the best budget bookshelf speakers. Talk of performance, it’s excellent. The design too is topnotch and the vinyl finish with which the speaker is covered ensures that this does not only offer you life-like performances but also adds to your home’s aesthetics and appeal.
Features and Specifications
Pros
- Impressive audio performance
- Affordable and valuable
- Impressive design and build
Cons
- As a bookshelf speaker, the speaker might appear a little too bulky
2. ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speaker
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Now, we did a lot to ensure the Elac brand of speakers does not crowd the list but we can’t just look the other way when another masterpiece from Andrew Jones stares glaringly into your face. The Elac Uni-Fi UB5 comes with both of the transducers working in sync to create the illusion that you’re listening to one capable speaker unit when in truth it is two. The trebles, the bass, mids, and others are superb and talking about the best budget bookshelf speakers, the Uni-Fi UB5 is a great pick
Features and Specifications
Pros
- Excellent output
- Tones are balanced and controllable
- 3-way configuration
Cons
- The cabs appear to be a limiting factor in some ways
3. Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
At times, simplicity does not mean mediocrity. The Edifier brands of speakers prove this as most of them often rocks this similar simple design of two MDF panels enclosed with a vinyl finish. The S1000DB though is differentiated from the other models by its angled front panel to boost image projection, this has proved useful as it gave the Edifier S1000DB an unlikely aesthetical appeal. The 1’’ dome tweeter and the 5.5’’ woofer produces a combined peak output of 120W RMS. The performance is awesome and its support of Bluetooth 4.0 makes it one of the best budget bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth support
Features and Specifications
Pros
- Excellent performance throughout the frequency range
- Simple but still attractive design and build
- Versatile and supports various connection options
Cons
- The burn-in period seems longer
4. Dali Zensor 1
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
The Dali Zensor bookshelf speakers have been around for years and even though you won’t find them as number one on the list of the best bookshelf speakers under $500, they’re still doing great and excellent enough to still be featured among the best budget bookshelf speakers of all time. The Dali Zensor 1 has a lot to offer in both appearance and performance. You get the best of both worlds without a compromise. The manufacturer offers a variety of finishes that include black-ash, walnut, and white vinyl finishes. There is also the lightweight dome tweeter with damping materials under the dome as well as the popular Zensor 1 woofer. The performance is awesome and the blend of clarity, accuracy, and color is mind-blowing.
Features and Specifications
Pros
- The design, as well as the build quality, is admirable
- The speaker features high-quality transducers and other components
- There is also an excellent response across the range
Cons
- Only suitable for small and medium-sized rooms would falter in large rooms
5. Wharfedale – Diamond 220
Our Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
Most Wharfedale speakers have always been known to possess one or a few imperfections and even though we won’t say this Wharfedale Diamond 220 is perfect, for one of the best bookshelf speakers under $500, it is actually one of the closest you can get to perfection. The design is as impressive as the previous models and the major upgrade lies in the performance section. Kevlar transducers set of a one-inch tweeter and 5.1-inch woofer paired alongside a fine-tuned crossover offers silky-smooth transitions within the wide frequency range. For much less than $500, this is one of the best budget stereo speakers you can find around.
Features and Specifications
Pros
- Tone quality is great
- Cabinet design is impressive
- Ports are slot-loaded
Cons
- The speaker may have been better with a better quality control.
For most audiophiles, the best bookshelf speakers under $500 would offer great movies and music-listening experience. If you would like to improve your listening experience, all of these speakers offer you a chance to enjoy better sound quality from the best budget portable stereo speakers available in the market.
Final Words
The bookshelf speakers are important if you want better surround sound and significant sound delivery. For an audiophile, this may be a tough call. To ensure you get only the best, reviews like these will help you in making your decision. Regardless of whatever your preference or needs, these best bookshelf speakers under $500 would turn your room or living space into a concert hall for a greater audio experience.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.